[The Boratav Depression Screening Scale (Bordepta): a sensitive scale for recognizing depression in epidemiologic studies and primary health care].

OBJECTIVE

To develop a sensitive scale able to recognize depression in epidemiological surveys and primary health care.

METHOD

The research was designed as an initial preliminary investigation followed by two subgroup studies. The preliminary study involved the selection of queries that would constitute the scale, based on the rule of brief reply. The first sub-study was intended to test the reliability and validity of the developed scale in a group of patients previously diagnosed with depressive disorder (n=60) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (n=61). The second sub-study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity and appropriate cut-off points of the scale, based on results obtained from non-psychiatric patients (n=96) and normal subjects (n=7).

RESULTS

Item analysis showed a significant correlation varying from 0.501 to 0.729 between each item and total scale score. The Cronbach alpha value of the scale was 0.9005. Clinician-oriented vs. self report rating reliability correlation coefficient values were 0.534 to 0.850 (Kappa) and 0.856 (Pearson) for items and total scale score respectively. The concurrent validity of the scale as correlated with The Beck Depression Inventory and Trait Anxiety Scale were 0.812 and 0.763 respectively. The discriminant validity of items in terms of P values determined by chi-square testing was 0.021 to 0.0001. The sensitivity and specificity of the scale were 97.6% and 82% respectively at a cut-off point of 6.5, and 85.7% and 95.1% at 7.5.

CONCLUSION

Boratav depression screening scale is valid and reliable, including optimal sensitivity and specificity for recognizing depression in epidemiologic studies and primary health care.